Written by Pamela Udejimba

Simply put, telemedicine is the use of telecommunications technology to deliver medical services. In recent years, telemedicine has grown in popularity. It has significantly impacted how accessible healthcare is, especially for people who reside in rural or isolated locations, have limited mobility, or have chronic illnesses.

Telemedicine has impacted healthcare accessibility in quite a lot of ways including:

1. Enhanced Access to Healthcare: Patients can now access medical care from any location with an internet connection thanks to telemedicine. This is crucial for people who live in rural or distant places where there might not be enough medical professionals. Patients can now communicate with medical professionals who are not physically present in their location with the help of their mobile phones.

2. Reduced Cost of Healthcare: Telemedicine has the potential to drastically lower medical expenses. It reduces the need for patients to make time and money consuming journeys for medical visits. 

3. Increased Patient Engagement: Telemedicine fosters better patient involvement and engagement in their own healthcare. Patients who use telemedicine are more likely to adhere to their treatment schedules and scheduled sessions. Furthermore, telemedicine makes it simpler for patients to interact with their medical professionals, ask questions, and get the assistance they need.

4. Improved Management for Chronic Diseases: People with chronic diseases have benefited most from telemedicine. It has made it simpler for patients to keep track of their symptoms and interact with their medical professionals. This results in better chronic condition management, fewer hospitalisations, and improved general health outcomes.

5. Improved Healthcare Provider Collaboration: Telemedicine has also enhanced healthcare provider collaboration. It has facilitated the exchange of medical records, communication among healthcare professionals, and specialized consultation. This results in better healthcare coordination and better patient outcomes.

As technology continues to advance, telemedicine is likely to become even more accessible and provide more benefits for both patients and medical professionals.